Be the Artist that is a Continual Success
Updated: Dec 3, 2019
By Kathy Beekman, Art Career Coach and Professional Artist
Professional artists know that they wear many hats. They create art, market themselves and their art, are entrepreneurs and book keepers, masters of their inventory and sales and don't make excuses. One of the most important things that makes an artist successful is not working all of the time. Doing this prevents overwhelm and creative burnout and takes you out of survival mode.
It's extremely important as artists to take care of our "self" in addition to our business. When we ignore our mind and body our business will suffer for it. We will fail to be inspired, grow resentful and, well, shut down when completely overwhelmed.
Here are a few suggested ways to care for yourself as an artist:
1. When you are too busy to take a break this is when you need to do so the most. Give yourself permission to step away for 15 or 30 minutes. Get a coffee, call a loved one, or take a walk. Take care of yourself during times of stress and you will notice that you feel a lot better than if you hadn't.
2. When you are feeling sluggish take a walk. You might feel exercise is the last thing on your mind when you're feeling tired. In fact, regular exercise will make you feel less tired in the long run. This is because physical activity allows more blood and oxygen to get to your body providing energy to do work. Even a 15 minute walk can boost your energy level immensely. Start with small amounts of walking and build up over the course of a month.
3. Place due dates on your calendar and save yourself additional stress by making sure you complete them before their deadline. What does this look like? Block out time well in advance of the actual due date to complete the task. Do this and you will become less scattered and well on your way to becoming much more organized.
Would love to hear in what ways you care for yourself as an artist?
Kathy Beekman is a professional artist and art career coach helping artists clarify goals and take sensible new risks so that they quickly advance within their art careers and creative lives.